We have all taken to the internet at some point searching for solutions to our beauty conundrums, whether it’s finding cures for the common crow’s feet or tips to create the perfect smokey eye look. For many people, that search includes looking for ways to achieve thicker and longer eyelashes.
Thick eyelashes add an especially captivating touch to eye makeup while also keeping particles such as sand, dust and other debris out of our eyes. Unfortunately, due to aging or medical issues such as hypertrichosis, eyelashes may thin out over time. There are some natural techniques that the internet swears by for restoring your lashes to make them both denser and longer.
While some of the home remedies listed below have plenty of internet believers but not necessarily the backing of scientific evidence, they may be worth a try!
Castor oil. Castor oil is loaded with ricinoleic acid. Studies have indicated that this acid could be advantageous in halting hair loss, and may be useful in maintaining the thickness of your lashes.
A clinical case, however, revealed that using castor oil with high viscosity can lead to hair matting and extreme dryness, so use with care.
Steps to follow: You will need 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed castor oil and some cotton swabs. First, carefully clean your eyelashes with water and a gentle cleanser, then pat them dry. Dip the cotton swab in the cold-pressed castor oil and apply it on both your upper and lower lash lines. Make sure that you do not get the oil into your eyes. Let the oil remain overnight and rinse it off the following morning.
Coconut oil. Coconut oil can be used for hair care as it has a deeply penetrating effect, helping to protect the protein in your hair. Consequently, coconut oil may even help with thinning or damaged eyelashes and encourage their regrowth.
Be mindful of the amount of coconut oil you use, however, as it can leave a greasy residue on your lashes and make them heavy, which could contribute to lash loss.
Steps to follow: Place 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed coconut oil in a small bowl, and grab some cotton swabs. Cleanse your lashes with a gentle soap and water before towel drying them. Then, using a cotton swab dipped in the coconut oil, apply the oil over both your upper and lower lash lines without getting it into your eyes. Wear the oil overnight before rinsing it off in the morning.
Vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant helps reduce the oxidative damage associated with hair loss, while tocotrienol compounds make it possible to gain more hair strands. Therefore, vitamin E may help promote longer eyelashes.
Steps to follow: You can put vitamin E on your lashes topically, and it is even OK to take it orally as a supplement. But before taking these supplements, make sure to talk to your doctor about the amount that is safe for you.
Green tea. Green tea is high in a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been found to have properties that promote hair growth and may also aid with lash growth.
Steps to follow: You will need 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves (or one teabag) and 1 cup of hot water. Soak the tea for five to 10 minutes. Strain the infusion and consume it while still hot. You may also cool the beverage and apply it directly to your lower and upper lash lines using a cotton swab. Drink the tea twice a day and apply it topically once daily.
Massage. Massaging is beneficial for improving circulation, and massaging your scalp regularly with or without oil can help promote hair length and thickness. Gently massaging your eyelids may also provide similar benefits.
Steps to follow: Using light pressure and with your eyes closed, massage your lash lines in a circular motion.
Lemon oil. A study published in Parasitology Research found that lemon oil might be beneficial in treating eyelash mites and contributing to faster hair growth, but the study was only conducted on rabbits, so be mindful when applying it yourself.
Steps to follow: Peel one or two lemons, then collect some coconut or olive oil as well as a cotton swab. Place the lemon peels into a small jar and incorporate a few tablespoons of either coconut or olive oil. Use a spoon to press the lemon peels and blend in all the ingredients. Let it sit overnight to steep.
Dip the cotton swab in the mixture and apply it along your upper and lower lash lines, avoiding your eyes. Leave it on for two hours before rinsing it off. You can repeat this process once or twice every day or leave it overnight instead.
Vaseline. Although some people swear that Vaseline (petroleum jelly) can moisturize your eyelids, reduce the possibility of mite-related damage to your lashes, and potentially help your lashes grow, there is no scientific evidence backing this claim.
Steps to follow: Place some petroleum jelly on a cotton swab and put it on your upper and lower eyelids without getting any in your eyes. Leave it overnight and rinse it off the following day.
Shea butter. Shea butter is packed with vitamin C and has a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements. Vitamin C prevents damage caused by free radicals and also helps boost collagen production, making your lashes thicker and helping them to grow.
Steps to follow: Melt a small amount of shea butter in your hands and rub it on both the top and bottom lashes, leaving it on throughout the night.
Olive oil. This common kitchen ingredient contains a phenolic compound called oleuropein. According to a rat study, oleuropein was shown to boost hair growth, making it potentially beneficial for longer eyelashes.
Steps to follow: Gather three to four drops of olive oil and one or two cotton swabs. Apply the oil to your upper and lower lashes with the cotton. Let the oil sit for five to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Biotin supplements. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Taking biotin supplements may help improve this condition. Reach out to a health care provider for the correct dosage of biotin supplementation.
A combination of these remedies may help in managing your thinning eyelashes, but they are not proven solutions to your lack of lashes. One thing that is proven to work in improving lash growth and thickness is Latisse.
What Is Latisse?
Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription medication that helps to promote eyelash growth. It contains the active ingredient bimatoprost, which is a prostaglandin analog that increases the length and thickness of your lashes.
Latisse should be applied once daily along the upper lash line for 16 weeks. After this period, you may notice longer and thicker eyelashes. However, it’s important to note that Latisse is not a permanent solution, and you must continue using it to maintain the results.
Why Choose Latisse?
Latisse is the only FDA-approved medication for eyelash growth, so it’s the most reliable option for achieving longer and thicker lashes. It’s also easy to use and can be applied in just a few minutes each day. Additionally, Latisse is safe and effective when used as directed compared to natural remedies or trends found on the internet.
It’s important to note that Latisse does not work overnight, and you must be patient and consistent with your application for best results.
Learn more about Latisse by calling us now to schedule a consultation.